Kyle Larson’s global NASCAR vision is taking on new life this summer, as dramatic changes within Kasey Kahne Racing aim to give Brad Sweet an upper hand just as Larson pushes for a more international Cup Series. The recent consolidation of Kahne’s sprint car team, alongside Larson’s high-profile efforts in Mexico and beyond, signal a pivotal moment for both the World of Outlaws season and NASCAR’s evolving global outlook.
Kahne’s Bold Team Realignment Favors Sweet Ahead of Major Races
Brad Sweet, a six-time World of Outlaws sprint car champion and the winner of the 2024 High Limits championship, has recently gained a significant boost. Kasey Kahne, both team owner and a driver for Kasey Kahne Racing, made the remarkably strategic decision to withdraw his own No. 9 car from competition in the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series. This change, announced shortly before the prestigious Knoxville Nationals, aims to concentrate the team’s resources and energy solely behind Sweet’s championship campaign.
Inside the team, this move is more than just a logistical shift—it marks a deepening of hands-on leadership. The careers of Larson, Sweet, and the extended racing family overlap, with Sweet and Larson linked as brothers-in-law and collaborators on and off the track. Kasey Kahne’s intent to support Sweet is unmistakable. When directly questioned about the dramatic shift, Kahne shared,

“It was all me… just needed to be more in charge… more part of our teams,”
—Kasey Kahne, team owner and driver. He elaborated,
“I just felt like with me being the owner… I needed to be more in charge… more and more part of our teams… just go down to one team… focus on one team with the group that I worked with this year.”
—Kasey Kahne, team owner and driver. For Kahne, consolidating focus on Sweet’s No. 49 car was the right strategic call at the season’s crunch time.
This team overhaul included shifting Kahne’s former No. 9 crew, with figures such as crew chief Andrew Bowman, Tayte Williamson, and Kyler Kerkvliet, to Sweet’s operation. The intent, according to Kahne, is to provide Sweet with
“the best… most consistent… strongest deal we can throughout the rest of this year.”
—Kasey Kahne, team owner and driver. The change followed a period of adversity, particularly after Sweet’s previous crew chief departed, leaving the team eager for renewed cohesion and clarity in their approach.
The decision to step back as a driver reflects Kahne’s new focus on maximizing his effect as a leader and owner. By pooling all resources and attention into one squad, Kahne underscores his belief in Sweet’s potential to deliver in this period packed with high-stakes races. Kahne spoke further on ensuring his driver is well-supported, stating,
“You know that we are home for two weeks prior to that… but it just got to the point where I feel like I wanna make sure Brad Sweet is getting everything that he signed up for.”
—Kasey Kahne, team owner and driver.
Sweet’s existing performance gives weight to this overhaul. With four wins and 31 top-ten results already in the season, the blend of new pit crew talent and a sharpened team vision could be the difference between a solid finish and another championship title. The Knoxville Nationals loom large both as a proving ground and as motivation for the sweeping changes.
Larson Champions a Shift Toward NASCAR’s Globalization
While Kahne and Sweet focus on dominance within the American dirt scene, Kyle Larson is looking far beyond national borders, making headlines for his ambitions to globalize NASCAR. Larson, who recently raced in the Cup Series event in Mexico City, shared how the experience changed his outlook on what the sport could become if it embraced international expansion as more than an occasional exhibition.
Describing the atmosphere in Mexico, Larson highlighted the sense of camaraderie that came from drivers sharing hotels, flying together, and mingling with passionate fans, which contrasted with NASCAR’s traditionally insular race culture. He described just how different and electric the scene was, noting,
“You should see some of the videos of like drivers walking through… fans were just like tripping over each other trying to get autographs,”
—Kyle Larson, driver. Larson reflected further on the unique setting, saying,
“It was a cool atmosphere for sure.”
—Kyle Larson, driver. For him, these moments signaled the sport’s vast potential if it were to tap new markets and cultures, especially after witnessing how international fans responded. Predicting even greater interest, he stated,
“If we go back, I think it’ll just get bigger… for sure,”
—Kyle Larson, driver.
Larson’s own racing background, which includes success on dirt ovals across Australia and New Zealand in addition to his Cup Series achievements, gives credibility to his vision. He points to a future where major Cup Series races could be held across continents like Australia, New Zealand, and even Europe, acknowledging both the opportunity and uncertainty this brings. Central to his outlook is moving NASCAR away from habitually solitary practices, such as drivers isolating in private motorhomes, and toward a more integrated, community-driven experience. According to Larson, breaking down such barriers wouldn’t just benefit drivers but would also draw in fans from around the world and revitalize competition.
As NASCAR contemplates this shift, the question remains: will the organization embrace Larson’s model of a globally integrated sport, or will tradition-bound figures resist? The answer could determine whether NASCAR grows into a worldwide motorsport powerhouse or remains centered on its American heartland. Larson’s vision will undoubtedly shape conversations among owners, drivers like Brad Sweet, and organizations such as Kasey Kahne Racing, as each weighs how much to adapt and how much to preserve.
Why These Shifts Matter for Racing’s Future
The timing and impact of these changes reach beyond individual records or championships. Kasey Kahne’s decision to pour all efforts behind Brad Sweet represents a move toward optimization and focus in an increasingly competitive field. For fans and fellow drivers, Sweet’s bid for another World of Outlaws crown now carries the full endorsement and engineering power of his team, consolidating support at a critical point in the season.
At the same time, Kyle Larson’s push for international expansion confronts NASCAR with new questions of identity and direction. A more diverse Cup Series calendar, if realized, could open new markets and deepen the bond between the sport and its global audience. It could also challenge established customs and traditions, forcing teams and drivers to adapt to different styles, venues, and fan cultures across continents.
The intertwining stories of Kahne, Sweet, and Larson demonstrate how personal relationships, bold leadership, and innovative vision all play a part in shaping the current trajectory of both the World of Outlaws and the broader NASCAR universe. For now, the racing world watches as Sweet and his revamped team push for victory, and as Larson’s global NASCAR vision sparks discussion and debate across paddocks, boardrooms, and grandstands alike.